Gold futures opened at $4,516.70 per troy ounce, up 0.2% from the previous day, marking the second consecutive open above $4,500. Geopolitical tensions drive gold prices higher due to U.S.-Venezuela conflict and alliances with Russia and China. Gold is historically a hedge against global conflict.

Silver and platinum prices have surged in 2025, with silver up 149% and platinum up 161%. Gold’s opening price has increased by +4.8% in the past week, +11.2% in the past month, and +72.9% in the past year, marking the highest value in the second half of 2025.

Investing in gold can be done through physical gold, gold mining stocks, gold ETFs, and gold futures. Each option has its pros and cons, with physical gold offering readily accessible use but posing risks of theft and lower liquidity compared to other forms of investment.

Gold mining stocks are equity positions in gold miners, exposed to gold prices and geopolitical risks. Advantages include greater liquidity, while disadvantages include higher volatility and lack of utility as a medium of exchange. Investors can opt for diversified gold mining funds for lower risk exposure.

Gold ETFs track the price of gold and can invest in physical gold, gold mining stocks, or gold futures. Advantages include easy storage and liquidity, while disadvantages include fund fees and lack of utility as a medium of exchange. Investors should consider the pros and cons before choosing this investment option.

Gold futures are standardized contracts for purchasing gold at a future date at a set price. They offer leverage and convenience but come with risks such as amplified gains and losses due to leverage and complexity in understanding futures contracts. Professional traders are recommended for gold futures investments.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Gold opens above $4,500 for the second consecutive day